SENATOR CABRERA VOTES TO CRACK DOWN ON CONTRACTOR THEFT IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on May 5, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR CABRERA APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR 17th SENATE DISTRICT RESIDENTS

HARTFORD –State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today voted for changes to the second year of Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that delivers $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care – all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap.

Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 bipartisan vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.

Sen. Cabrera welcomed the second-year budget adjustments, which will result in $158.55 million in total state aid this year for Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge. That figure includes a 4.66% boost in education aid of $5.395 million for the entire district, including $2.22 million more for Hamden and $1.43 million more for Naugatuck.

“Every town has gone through or is going through a tough budget process. My hope is this additional state aid will make a difference in the quality of life for everyone – especially kids – over the next year,” Sen. Cabrera said.

Major, positive changes in the second year of the adjusted budget include:

$152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
$20 million in additional funding to ensure that all school districts receive a minimum of a 2% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
$18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.
$100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.

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SENATOR KUSHNER APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR 24TH SENATE DISTRICT RESIDENTS

Posted on May 5, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR KUSHNER APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR
24^TH SENATE DISTRICT RESIDENTS

HARTFORD –State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today voted for changes to the second year of Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that delivers $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care – all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap.

Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 bipartisan vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.

Sen. Kushner welcomed the second-year budget adjustments, which will result in $101.14 million in total state aid this year for Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield – including a 4.7% increase of $3.11 million in education funding.

“I’m so happy that this year we were able to expand on our commitment to children through increased aid to public schools, more investments in childcare, and taking care of kids on HUSKY,” Sen. Kushner said. “They say a budget is a statement of your priorities, and by focusing on pre-school children and students we’re showing our commitment to the next generation. While Washington D.C. is making things harder for working families, we’re doing the opposite here in Connecticut – we’re investing in them.”

Major, positive changes in the second year of the adjusted budget include:

$152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
$20 million in additional funding to ensure that all school districts receive a minimum of a 2% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
$18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.
$100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access childcare, supports higher wages for educators, and improves childcare facilities.

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SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES CONFIRMATION OF CHRISTINA D. GHIO AS CONNECTICUT’S CHILD ADVOCATE

Posted on May 5, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES CONFIRMATION OF CHRISTINA D. GHIO AS CONNECTICUT’S CHILD ADVOCATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the Senate’s confirmation of Christina D. Ghio to serve as Connecticut’s Child Advocate, confident she will serve as a strong voice who will defend and support the needs of children across the state.

Ghio, who has served as temporary Acting Child Advocate since 2022 and assumed the position of Acting Child Advocate in the fall of 2024, was recommended for the role by the Advisory Committee to the Office of the Child Advocate.

“Christina Ghio has proven herself to be a fierce and dedicated defender of Connecticut’s children, and I’m highly encouraged that her presence as the Child Advocate comes at a time when our state needs to improve current standards,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m heartened to know the children of our state will have a champion tirelessly fighting for them.”

The Child Advocate monitors and evaluates public and private agencies charged with protecting children and reviews state policies and procedures to ensure they protect children’s rights and promote their best interests.

Ghio previously worked as an attorney in her own practice, representing parents in child-related matters including special education, child abuse and neglect and mental health. She’s also served as an assistant child advocate, was director of the Child Abuse Project at the Center for Children’s Advocacy and previously worked as an attorney for the New Hampshire Public Defender.

Ghio is an alum of the Georgetown University Law Center and Central Connecticut State University and is a certified child welfare law specialist by the National Association of Council for Children.

Today’s vote passed the Senate by a 27-9 tally. Ghio previously passed the House by a 94-42 vote on March 25 and the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee by a 17-4 tally on March 17.

LAWMAKERS LAUD CT LEGISLAURE’S CREATION OF FIRST STATE-LEVEL GRADUATE STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM

Posted on May 5, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

LAWMAKERS LAUD CT LEGISLAURE’S CREATION OF FIRST STATE-LEVEL GRADUATE STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM

HARTFORD — In response to sweeping federal changes to graduate student lending in the 2025 federal budget, State Sen. Derek Slap and State Reps. Gregg Haddad and Kaitlyn Shake announce the approval of legislation dedicating $30 million to establish the nation’s first state-level graduate student loan program. The funding and implementing language were embedded in SB1.

The initiative is designed to take the place of the federal Graduate PLUS loan program, which is being eliminated by the Trump administration, and to ensure Connecticut students can continue to afford advanced degrees in critical, high-demand fields, such as nursing and teaching.

For the entire legislative session, Sen. Slap and Rep. Haddad – co-chairs of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee – and Rep. Shake, a registered nurse, championed urgent and bold state action following federal policy changes adopted under the Trump administration.

These changes include federal loan caps that sharply restrict borrowing for graduate students. Beginning in July, new students in graduate programs face limits of just $20,500 per year (or $100,000 total). Notably, despite requiring extensive training and licensure, nursing, public health, social work, education, and other essential fields have been excluded from the “professional” designation that has been granted higher loan limits. However, these degree programs often cost more than the limits.

Compounding the issue, the federal government is eliminating the Graduate PLUS loan program entirely — forcing many students to turn to private lenders with uncertain terms and limited accessibility, particularly for those without established credit or from low- and moderate-income backgrounds. Grad PLUS loans had been critical to cover the cost of degree programs in excess of the new limits.

Connecticut has stepped in to fill the void in leadership and to provide low-interest loans that ensure the next generation of professionals – our educators, our health care providers – can attend graduate school, free from high-cost private loans.

It’s an investment in a workforce that benefits communities statewide.

“The creation of a grad student loan program will help thousands of teachers, nurses, social workers and other professionals who have seen their access to low interest loans slashed thanks to the Trump administration and national Republicans,” Sen. Slap said. “I’m so pleased Connecticut is stepping up especially at a time when we have such shortages of workers in these fields.”

“Connecticut is the first state in the nation to act to protect the workforce pipeline for dozens of occupations that require advanced graduate degrees,” Rep. Haddad said. “Teachers, nurses, social workers and physical therapists are just a few of the jobs that often require advanced degrees and we have helped students preparing for these jobs by passing this landmark program.

“President Trump ended the federal Grad PLUS loan program, which currently provides CT students with $90 million of federally subsidized loans. Grad students are scrambling to find affordable student loans as they pursue their education. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to answer the threat with an affordable state solution,” added Rep. Haddad.

“The Federal Department of Education’s November 2025 announcement to declassify certain professional degrees eligible for Federal Graduate Student Loans, has been a major concern for me and was a legislative priority as we transitioned into the 2026 session,” Rep. Shake said. “In anticipation of a final decision that would exclude predominantly women and people of color seeking higher education to pursue their professional dreams, Connecticut didn’t hesitate to act — we took action as the first in the nation to combat this harmful policy change impacting students’ long-term economic security and Connecticut’s workforce.

“I am incredibly thankful and proud of the diverse coalition of professional and union organizations that worked alongside Rep. Haddad, Senator Slap, and me in advocating for a substantial increase in CHESLA funding. As the chaos around public education in Washington, D.C., continues, Connecticut’s recent passage of the state budget reaffirms our commitment to graduate students and our future workforce.”

Senator Honig Passes Comprehensive Veterans’ Package

Posted on May 5, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Honig Passes Comprehensive Veterans’ Package

HARTFORD — Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton), Senate Chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, today celebrated final passage of HB 5406, a wide-ranging package of veterans’ and military affairs measures that expands dental care access, strengthens veteran protections, and removes administrative barriers for those who served.

“Connecticut veterans have earned their benefits through service and sacrifice, and too many of them are still hitting obstacles when they try to access them,” Senator Honig said. “This bill removes a real one: veterans who fall between the cracks on dental care, who don’t qualify for VA coverage but can’t afford what they need on their own, now have a clear path to treatment. It also cuts red tape on DMV fees and renewals, strengthens protections against predatory claims agents, and takes steps to improve long-term care access. That’s what the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee has been working toward, and I’m proud to see it pass.”

The legislation includes the following provisions:

Veterans Dental Care Program: Creates a new program providing up to $3,000 per year in covered dental services, including exams, fillings, root canals, crowns, and oral surgery, for eligible veterans with a service-connected disability rating of less than 100% who do not already receive dental care through the VA and whose household income falls at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. The program is capped at $1 million annually and administered through the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Fund.
DMV Fee Waivers and Grace Period Extension: Waives fees for original driver’s licenses and identity cards for DVA-verified veterans, and extends the grace period for motor vehicle renewals and emissions testing from 60 to 90 days for service members returning from active duty.
Income Tax Exemptions: Establishes state income tax deductions for compensation earned serving on an honor guard detail at a veteran’s funeral, and for pay National Guard members receive when ordered out for state active duty.
Veteran Protections Against Predatory Claims Agents: Requires the state DVA to post plain-language warnings on its website about unaccredited claims agents and the risks of sharing VA account credentials, along with links to federal reporting tools.
Veterans’ Service Officer Training Expansion: Expands required training for veterans’ service officers and municipal veterans’ representatives to include resources for all veterans, with a dedicated section on issues unique to women veterans.
Nursing Home Access Task Force: Establishes a task force to study ways to encourage Medicaid-certified nursing homes to contract with the VA and provide care to eligible veterans, including potential financial incentives and tax credits.
Military Emergency Response Account: Creates a dedicated account for the adjutant general to cover state costs during emergencies when federal reimbursement is not immediately available, seeded with a $500,000 transfer for FY27.
Birth-to-Three Program Transitions: Requires the state’s early intervention system to provide minimally disruptive transitions for military-connected children relocating due to new orders, including record transfers and a family service plan meeting within 45 days.
National Guard Readiness Center Naming: Names the Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam the John Dempsey Putnam Army National Guard Readiness Center.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously late Monday, following a bipartisan vote in the House. The bill now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk for his signature.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov |

EAST HARTFORD DELEGATION WELCOMES FUNDING FOR WORLD WAR II LEGACY FOUNDATION

Posted on May 5, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

May 5, 2026

EAST HARTFORD DELEGATION WELCOMES FUNDING FOR WORLD WAR II LEGACY FOUNDATION

Today, the East Hartford delegation of lawmakers including State Senator Saud Anwar, House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, State Representative Patrick Biggins and State Representative Henry Genga, welcomed $200,000 in funding supporting East Hartford’s World War II Legacy Foundation.

The Legacy Foundation, with a mission to honor and remember those who served during World War II by acquiring and displaying artifacts and educating the public on veterans’ actions, operates a museum at 102 Pitkin Street, with the grant supporting continued operations.

The Foundation is operated by East Hartford’s Gary Roy and Marianna Mihalyo.

“It’s been more than 80 years since we celebrated the German surrender that ended World War II, but the sacrifices made by those in our communities and beyond must never be forgotten,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m grateful these funds will continue to support Connecticut’s efforts to preserve and educate on the importance of our country’s past and all that veterans sacrificed to support our country.”

“I am proud to support this funding for the WWII Legacy Foundation, which ensures the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten. Their courage helped define our nation’s path, and we must continue to recognize both their legacy and the enduring cost of war,” Majority Leader Rojas said.

“This is a great way to honor those who served in WWII and educate our future generations about the United States’ long history of standing up against authoritarian regimes that foster hate and genocide,” said Rep. Biggins.

“The Legacy Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring that the service and sacrifice of those who served during World War II are never forgotten. This funding will help preserve their stories, honor their legacy, and educate future generations about the courage, resilience, and unity that defined this pivotal moment in history,” said Rep. Genga. “I am proud that these resources will not only deepen our understanding of the past but also reinforce the responsibility we all share to carry these lessons forward. This is the only site of its kind in Connecticut and one of just three in New England. It offers people a meaningful opportunity to recognize their families’ service and better understand the significance of the battles they faced during one of the most defining periods in modern history.”

Connecticut Senate Passes Homeschool Oversight Bill

Posted on May 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Connecticut Senate Passes Homeschool Oversight Bill

HARTFORD — After several tragic cases of child abuse involving children pulled from school by their parents, the Connecticut Senate voted Tuesday to pass modest new oversight of homeschooled students, requiring parents to annually notify their local school district of their intent to homeschool and pass background checks screening adults in the home for child abuse.

House Bill 5468 passed the Senate on a 22-14 vote after passing the House on April 23. It now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Connecticut currently has nearly no oversight of homeschooling, and children withdrawn from school can simply vanish from public view. The legislation will require:

Parents withdrawing a child from public school to homeschool to appear in person to sign a withdrawal form, beginning in the 2027-28 school year
Superintendents to check DCF records for every adult aged 18 or older living in the household when a parent withdraws a child to homeschool, blocking the withdrawal if any resident is on the child abuse registry or under active DCF investigation, beginning in 2027-28
Homeschool parents to file an annual form with their local school district by October 1 each year declaring their intent to educate, beginning in the 2028-29 school year
School districts that do not receive a required form by November 1 to make at least three contact attempts and notify the State Department of Education if the family cannot be reached

The bill also formally codifies “parent-managed learning” as an explicit third educational option in Connecticut law alongside public and private school, replacing the previous vague “equivalent instruction elsewhere” language.

“The vast majority of Connecticut families who homeschool strive to give their children a solid academic education, and we are grateful for the dedication they bring to that work every day. However, Connecticut has seen too many cases of children removed from school and hidden from the teachers and school staff who might have recognized the signs of abuse and been required by law to report it. Reckless driving laws were not passed to punish safe drivers. They were passed to create accountability for the few whose behavior endangers others. This bill exists for the same reason, and it is the least we can do to protect the children who are not so lucky. Children have rights independent of their parents; they are not mere possessions of their parents. The state has an obligation to see that those rights are protected,” Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney said.

“Most homeschooling families in Connecticut are doing right by their kids. This bill is not about them. It is about the children who are withdrawn from school and disappear, cut off from every adult outside the home who might recognize the signs of abuse and be required by law to report it. Those children deserve better, and this bill is a step toward making sure they get it,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said.

“Most families who choose to educate their children at home are doing a very good job, and this bill is not about making their lives harder,” said Senator Douglas McCrory, Senate Chair of the Education Committee. “What we could not accept, in good conscience, was a child being placed in the hands of an adult with a documented history of abusing children. We just want to know who these children are, and we want to know they are safe. If you are doing right by your child, these modest requirements will not stand in your way.”

“The Education committee listened to parents’ concerns and worked to find solutions that will bolster and benefit our state’s educational efforts for years to come,” said Senator Ceci Maher, Senate Chair of the Committee on Children. “Connecticut currently has no homeschooling standards; this bill responds to the need to understand the full scope of parent-managed learning and how many children are learning at home. I’m grateful to Education Committee co-chairs Representative Jennifer Leeper and Senator Doug McCrory for their tireless work over the last year to be responsive and thoughtful, moving toward a better understanding of parent-managed learning in Connecticut.”

While most homeschooling families work hard to prepare their children for success, Connecticut’s lack of oversight has left some children invisible to the public institutions that might have protected them. Four cases illustrate the consequences:

Eve Rogers Eve Rogers, 12, was found dead in her Enfield home in March 2026. She had been withdrawn from school in the fourth grade for homeschooling and had not been enrolled in Enfield Public Schools in the three years before her death. The cause and manner of her death remain under investigation.

Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-García Mimi Torres-García, 11, was withdrawn from school by her mother with no background check. She died within two months. Her body, showing signs of starvation and abuse, was not discovered for more than a year.

Waterbury Captivity Case A Waterbury man was withdrawn from school in the fourth grade and subjected to decades of captivity and abuse, invisible to the teachers and school staff who would have been mandated to report it. Firefighters discovered him early last year when they pulled him from a burning home. He weighed 68 pounds.

Matthew Tirado Matthew Tirado, 17, died in 2017 from what the Office of the Child Advocate called prolonged child abuse and neglect after his mother removed him and his sister from school. The OCA examined how Matthew “came to be hidden or invisible” as a result. “The safety net for children who are withdrawn from school for the purpose of home-schooling must be improved,” the OCA wrote.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Connecticut Senate Passes Homeschool Oversight Bill

Posted on May 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Connecticut Senate Passes Homeschool Oversight Bill

House Bill 5468 passed the Senate on a 22-14 vote after passing the House on April 23. It now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Connecticut currently has nearly no oversight of homeschooling, and children withdrawn from school can simply vanish from public view. The legislation will require:

Parents withdrawing a child from public school to homeschool to appear in person to sign a withdrawal form, beginning in the 2027-28 school year.
Superintendents to check DCF records for every adult aged 18 or older living in the household when a parent withdraws a child to homeschool, blocking the withdrawal if any resident is on the child abuse registry or under active DCF investigation, beginning in 2027-28.
Homeschool parents to file an annual form with their local school district by October 1 each year declaring their intent to educate, beginning in the 2028-29 school year.
School districts that do not receive a required form by November 1 to make at least three contact attempts and notify the State Department of Education if the family cannot be reached.

“The vast majority of Connecticut families who homeschool strive to give their children a solid academic education, and we are grateful for the dedication they bring to that work every day. However, Connecticut has seen too many cases of children removed from school and hidden from the teachers and school staff who might have recognized the signs of abuse and been required by law to report it. Reckless driving laws were not passed to punish safe drivers. They were passed to create accountability for the few whose behavior endangers others. This bill exists for the same reason, and it is the least we can do to protect the children who are not so lucky. Children have rights independent of their parents; they are not mere possessions of their parents. The state has an obligation to see that those rights are protected, ” Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney said.

“Most families who choose to educate their children at home are doing a very good job, and this bill is not about making their lives harder, ” said Senator Douglas McCrory, Senate Chair of the Education Committee. “What we could not accept, in good conscience, was a child being placed in the hands of an adult with a documented history of abusing children. We just want to know who these children are, and we want to know they are safe. If you are doing right by your child, these modest requirements will not stand in your way.”

“The Education committee listened to parents’ concerns and worked to find solutions that will bolster and benefit our state’s educational efforts for years to come, “ said Senator Ceci Maher, Senate Chair of the Committee on Children. “Connecticut currently has no homeschooling standards; this bill responds to the need to understand the full scope of parent-managed learning and how many children are learning at home. I’m grateful to Education Committee co-chairs Representative Jennifer Leeper and Senator Doug McCrory for their tireless work over the last year to be responsive and thoughtful, moving toward a better understanding of parent-managed learning in Connecticut.”

SENATOR CABRERA LEADS APPROVAL OF NEW INSURANCE COVERAGE MANDATES FOR CHEMOTHERAPY, INFERTILITY, PROSTHETIC LIMBS, AND MORE

Posted on May 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR CABRERA LEADS APPROVAL OF NEW INSURANCE COVERAGE MANDATES FOR CHEMOTHERAPY, INFERTILITY, PROSTHETIC LIMBS, AND MORE

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), who is Senate Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today led final approval in the state Senate of a bill that requires insurance companies operating in Connecticut to cover the cost of a host of new medical treatments, from prosthetic devices designed exclusively for athletic purposes and scalp cooling systems used in connection with chemotherapy, to an expanded definition of “infertility” and certain pediatric autoimmune disorders associated with streptococcal infections.

House Bill 5374, “AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH COVERAGE MANDATES FOR CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS,” passed the Senate on a unanimous and bipartisan 36-0 vote and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

“The bill seeks to ensure that people requiring critical care can get it without incurring financial hardship,” Sen. Cabrera told the Senate chamber. “I learned a lot about the pain and suffering that many people in Connecticut are undergoing because of these conditions. A whole host of people came to the public hearing to advocate for this bill, a very large array of advocates and impacted people who had endured a variety of struggles. Their stories were heart-wrenching. This bill goes a long way to alleviate their pain and suffering.”

Cover scalp cooling systems used in connection with chemotherapy. Under the bill, a “scalp cooling system” is any device designed and intended for repeated medical use to cool the human scalp to prevent or reduce hair loss due to chemotherapy. Hair loss is one of the most visible and emotionally distressing side effects of chemotherapy. FDA-approved scalp cooling systems have been shown to significantly reduce, or even prevent, hair loss for individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Despite their proven effectiveness, these treatments are often not covered by health insurance plans. Patients can pay between $1,500 and $3,000 out of pocket per round of chemotherapy, placing an additional financial burden on patients who are already dealing with the high costs of cancer treatments.
Cover infertility diagnosis and treatment that, among other things, establishes various ways in which infertility can be determined. Under current law, “infertility” means being unable to conceive or produce conception, or sustain a successful pregnancy during a one-year period, or the treatment is medically necessary. The bill expands this definition by establishing various conditions upon which infertility diagnosis and treatment can be based, including a shorter time period (six months) under specific circumstances.
Cover “athletic” prosthetic devices so individuals with limb loss and limb difference can participate in physical activities and remain healthy and fit. Under existing law, a “prosthetic device” is an artificial device to replace all or part of an arm or leg; current law expressly excludes a device that is designed exclusively for athletic purposes. This bill removes this exclusion and in so doing expands the mandate to include coverage for prosthetic devices designed exclusively for athletic purposes. If signed into law, Connecticut would join 12 other states — including New Hampshire and Maine — that have already passed similar laws since 2023.
Cover treatments for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). PANS and PANDAS are conditions that are characterized by a sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder or restrictive eating disorder in children before puberty. They are often associated with noticeable changes in mood, behavior, and sensory and motor function in children; moderate to severe cases may render children unable to leave their homes, result in psychiatric hospitalization, self-harm, or cause profound functional impairment. These medical conditions are treatable, and ensuring access to treatment can shorten flares and change the course of a child’s life. Treatment may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, symptom management, or – in moderate and severe cases – IV therapy.

SEN. KUSHNER VOTES TO PRESERVE CONNECTICUT’S CURRENT VACCINE STANDARDS FROM TRUMP INTERFERENCE

Posted on May 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS BIPARTISAN PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE WORKERS’ RIGHTS BILL IN STATE SENATE

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) tonight led the bipartisan passage of a large, omnibus workforce bill that impacts labor, education, public safety, and veterans’ issues, creating new worker protections, stronger wage transparency rules, and joint liability for unpaid wages on construction sites.

House Bill 5003 passed the Senate on a bipartisan 28-7 vote and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

“It feels really important to finally get this bill done,” said Sen. Kushner, who is Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “It contains pieces of legislation that we’ve been working on for years: teachers not being treated fairly, nurses who suffer assault, wage theft in the construction industry, people who have worked for 20 years at a company and then are given two weeks’ notice that their contract isn’t going to be renewed. These are real-life issues affecting working families in Connecticut. It’s gratifying to get this legislation passed.”

H.B. 5003 contains 75 sections of new laws, including:

Enhanced workers’ compensation for assaulted workers. Teachers, health care providers, and related employees who cannot work due to an on-the-job assault will now receive 100% of their average weekly earnings (vs. the standard 75% after-tax cap), plus medical expenses and lost wages for court appearances.

Construction contractor and subcontractor joint liability for unpaid wages. For construction contracts executed on or after January 1, 2027, general contractors are jointly and severally liable for wages that their subcontractor fails to pay its workers.

Retention of service contract workers. Entities taking over service contracts at covered locations (multifamily housing with 50+ units, commercial centers over 75,000 square feet, airports, schools, hospitals, warehouses, private colleges, and others) must retain the prior contractor’s employees for at least 90 days. After 90 days, satisfactory performers must receive an offer of continued employment.

Teacher termination process. The bill creates a fair termination process with a binding decision from an impartial hearing officer, offering the same protections provided to other public service workers such as police officers and firefighters.

Breastfeeding/expressing milk. Requires employers to provide reasonable break time for breastfeeding or pumping in addition to scheduled breaks (current law only permits use of existing meal/break time).
Wage range and benefits disclosure. The bill expands existing pay transparency law to require employers to include both a wage range and a general benefits description (health insurance, retirement, fringe, paid leave, other compensation) in all public and internal job postings.

First responder tuition and mortgage assistance: State community colleges and universities must waive tuition for eligible police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel, and the Connecticut Home Finance Authority must develop a mortgage assistance program for first responders buying homes in the communities where they serve.

National Guard fee waivers: The bill expands the existing tuition waiver for active Guard members at CT State, CSCU, and UConn to cover all mandatory fees, not just tuition.

The state Department of Labor (DOL) must update its veteran employment webpage with links to training, counseling, and veteran-friendly employers, and optimize it for search engines. The state Department of Veterans Affairs must send periodic newsletters linking to the page, and the DOL must study AI-based tools for connecting veterans and service members with employers.